Its value?
Even he could not offer an opinion--only the appraisement of his expert would be worth listening to on that point.

But one thing he knew instantly--in the million-dollar stock of precious stones stored away in the vaults of the H.Latham Company, there was not one to compare with this.
At length, as he stared at it fascinated, he remembered that he didn't know its owner, and for the second time he examined the wrappings, the box inside and out, and finally he lifted out the lower layer of cotton, seeking a fugitive card or mark of some sort.
Surely the owner of so valuable a stone would not be so careless as to send it this way, through the mail--unregistered--without some method of identification! Another sharp scrutiny of box and cotton and wrappings left him in deep perplexity.
Then another idea came.

One of the letters, of course! The owner of the diamond had sent it this way, perhaps to be set, and had sent instructions under another cover.

An absurd, even a reckless thing to do, but -- --! And Mr.Latham attacked the heap of letters neatly stacked up in front of him.

There were thirty-six of them, but not one even remotely hinted at diamonds.